Median Income
$80,625
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,300
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
215/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.5%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$770
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Lancaster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,916
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,297/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,625
Per Capita$34,835
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$2,999M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,300
Rent$770
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$216,005
Housing Units1,639
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property807/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault135/100K
Burglary27/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.3%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,089 ft (332 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.5%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute17 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Lancaster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lancaster receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lancaster offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lancaster is $80,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lancaster is $173,300, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lancaster is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 807 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lancaster experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lancaster has a population of 3,916 with a density of 1,297 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lancaster vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lancaster is $80,625, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,835 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,509 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lancaster vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,625 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,835 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,257 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,509 |
| County GDP | $2,999M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 185 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,354 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Lancaster is $173,300, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,005, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,639 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,354 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,300 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,005 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $0 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.2% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $770 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,639 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,354 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.51% |
In Lancaster, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,369. The dentist ratio is 1:2,229. 66.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,369 |
| Dentists | 1:2,229 |
| Mental Health | 1:565 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 134.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 80.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 807 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 700, burglary at 27, vehicle theft at 81 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lancaster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 215.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 80.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 134.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 807.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Burglary | 26.9/100K |
| Theft | 699.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 80.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lancaster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The area receives 37.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,089 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,089 ft (332 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,297/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8473°N, 90.7065°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 434 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
61 km |
9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Lancaster has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Lancaster. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of 3,916 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,297 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Lancaster expensive to live in?
Lancaster is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,625, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,300 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lancaster safe?
Lancaster is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 807 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lancaster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lancaster?
The job market in Lancaster is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 1,509 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $173,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,005. For renters, the median monthly rent is $770. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,354.
How are the schools in Lancaster?
Schools in Lancaster score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.5% of adults in Lancaster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lancaster?
The obesity rate in Lancaster is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,369.
What is transportation like in Lancaster?
The average commute in Lancaster is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lancaster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lancaster is 96% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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